Menu: Lamp Singapore Style

I spotted this selection of "Lamp Singapore Style" on a menu in a restaurant.  There is no "P" sound in the Arabic language.  The closest sound to it is the "B" sound, so many Arabs have difficulty pronouncing words with a "P" in them.  For instance, "Pepsi" is pronounced as  "Bebsi" here.  I have no idea why someone would change a silent "B" on the end of "lamb" to a "P" though, but this commonly used word is often seen written this way here - common because lamb is one of the most popular meats consumed in KSA. 

Jeddah Street Scene

This is just a typical street seen in Jeddah showing a variety businesses on the block, each with their colorful Arabic signs.  A woman walking on the left is wearing the traditional black abaya worn by women when they are out in public here in Saudi Arabia.   

Our World: Handmade Saudi Gifts

It's difficult finding handmade souvenirs in Saudi Arabia.  But I am happy to report that it's getting easier.  The smaller items pictured here are Saudi-made soft keychains.  The larger soft dolls are about 9" tall and they can also be used as pencils cases when unzipped and the stuffing removed.  I bought these at Aseil Restaurant on Sultan and Rawdah in Jeddah, but they may be available for sale at other places. I also purchased a little purse made of natural palm leaves and sadu fabric. These products are handmade by Saudi women for an organization called Liyano, dedicated to propagating Saudi heritage.  It supports charities and provides job opportunities for Saudi women. 

Follow them on Instagram at:  saudigifts
And don't forget to Like their Facebook page

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is 


#saudigifts  #liyano  #KSA  #Jeddah  #heritage  #Saudi  #souvenirs  #gifts

Sugar Cane for Juice

Sugar cane juice is a popular drink that is available here in Jeddah.  There is a special machine that extracts the juice from the sugar cane, which you can see stacked outside the door to the left of this little business. 

Geometric Ceiling

Geometric shapes are very typical design patterns here in Saudi Arabia.  This is the ceiling of a theater of Effat University, a female institution for higher learning in Jeddah.  I love how the cut outs and the lights make a pattern on the walls below it. 

Thrift Shop Find: Painted Chest

Thrift shops are not very prominent in Saudi Arabia, not like they are in the USA.  The culture here seems to turn up their noses at previously owned items.  But there is a thrift shop I found that is the best kept secret in Jeddah!  Like any thrift store, you do have to look for finds and you may not find what you are looking for.  I loved this rustic painted chest that I found there.

The thrift shop is called MAWAKEB AL AJER, located in the Al Khalidya District behind Al Badrya Towers.   Proceeds benefit widows, children and the poor.   HOURS are SAT-THU 9am-9pm, FRI 4pm-9pm. TEL: 056-868-9001 or 055-241-2167. Clothing, jewelry, shoes, furniture, knick knacks, paintings, dishes, books, etc.

DIRECTIONS: South on Prince Sultan Rd, then West (right) on Rawdah. Turn right after Danube. After you pass Salon/Spa on left, turn around and turn right onto street where salon is. CLICK HERE for a pinpoint map location.

Camel Shadows

Photo Credit:  George Steinmetz for National Geographic 2005

Well, I didn't intend to take such a long break from this blog, but I guess I needed it.  Posting daily requires such a big commitment - and a lot of work taking photos, weeding through them, and getting the chosen photos ready for the blog.  So I hope I am rested up and ready to rumble!

With this post upon my return after a several month absence, instead of posting one of my own photos as I normally do, I thought I would treat you to a visual masterpiece taken by world renowned National Geographic photographer George Steinmetz.  Featured in the Turkish issue of National Geographic magazine from February 2005, this photo is the result of having a bird's eye view while Steinmetz was operating a motorized paraglider hovering above the desert sands of Saudi Arabia.  The dark camel shapes are actually the camels' shadows and the light shapes at their feet are the actual camels.  This photo was chosen as one of the best of the year in 2005 by National Geographic.